Government Working Towards Making Preschool Compulsory Under 13MP | KiddyNews

The government is working towards making preschool education compulsory under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with efforts focused on expanding access and helping parents understand the importance of early learning.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said making preschool compulsory would require wider access to early education as well as stronger engagement with parents.

She said the government was working to expand opportunities for children to receive early childhood education before progressing to preschool and later stages of learning.

Fadhlina was speaking at the launch of the Early Childhood Education Programme at Sunway University on Sept 17.

Building Strong Foundations Early

Sunway Education Group chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee said investing in young children during their formative years was also an investment in families, communities and the country’s future.

She highlighted research indicating that more than 80% of brain development takes place before the age of five, underscoring the importance of providing children with opportunities to learn during their early years.

Prof Lee also stressed that every child should have the opportunity to learn, belong and succeed regardless of their circumstances.

Expanding The Early Childhood Education Workforce

The event also marked the introduction of three new programmes at Sunway University:

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Conventional)
• Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Open and Distance Learning)
• Bachelor in Early Childhood Education with Special Needs (Honours)

The two-year diploma programme is designed to provide students with a foundation in child development, play-based pedagogy, curriculum design and inclusive practices for children with special needs.

The open and distance learning option provides an alternative pathway for students who need to balance their studies with other responsibilities.

The new programmes come as Malaysia works to strengthen access to early childhood education and prepare educators to support children through their formative years.

Source:

The Star – “Education Ministry working towards compulsory preschool”

Thoughtfully adapted by KiddyNews. Keeping parents and educators informed with the latest ECCE developments from Malaysia and beyond.